Are big subwoofers viable for 2 channel music?

The typical and common 2-position phase switch (0-180 degrees) found on many subs is far too crude for creating a seamless blend between a sub and a loudspeaker. The continuously-variable control provided on all Rythmik subs is what you want. That allows one to find the best acoustic position in the room for a sub (regarding the room's locations of eigenmodes: areas of high- and low-pressure low frequency energy storage), then using the phase control to get the sub and speaker to be in phase as much as possible.

The Rythmik website has a technical section covering all these matters in great detail. Well worth reading, even if you choose subs from a different company.

Four independent subs allows for maximum adjustability and flexibility. The controls on the Rythmik plate amps are the most extensive of any line I’m aware. They include:

- Continuously-variable Phase Control knob providing 0 degrees to 180 degrees of rotation (0 ms to 16 ms delay).

- On the non-XLR models, both high level (speaker binding posts) and line level (RCA jacks) hookup.

- Continuously-variable x/o filters from 25Hz to 120Hz, 12dB/octave and 24dB/octave, presets at 50Hz and 80Hz.

- High/Medium/Low Damping switch.

- 1-band PEQ with Bandwidth and Gain control.

- 14Hz/20Hz/28Hz Extension Filter switch.

- Rumble Filter switch..

- On most models both Line In and LFE In inputs.

- Two XLR models, great for sub locations requiring a long interconnect. And the XLR2 model provides Master/Slave operation for any number of subs, should you not want to adjust them separately.

And don’t forget, the patented Rythmik Direct Servo-Feedback circuitry. Plus, woofers designed by Brian Ding and manufactured by TC Sounds (you hardcore subwoofer guys know THAT name ;-) .

If you've got the dough! Brian gives a 10% discount on multiple sub orders. That'll help: the F18 sells for $1630-$1850, depending on finish. Sure, why not? You have a big room, so you don't have to worry about overloading it.

All the Rythmiks share the family DNA: detailed, nimble, no overhang or slop (they're described as "stopping on a dime"). Lean & clean ;-) . And they all play into the teens. The difference between models (other than the unique OB/Dipole Sub) is in their maximum output capabilities. The F18 puts out 114dB at 40Hz (1 Hz below the lowest note produced by the standard 4-string bass) with less than 5% distortion, and 99dB at 16Hz (the lowest note on a pipe organ's bass pedals) at less than 20% (in the world of subs, that's low distortion).

While a pair of Rythmik F18’s is undoubtedly awesome (I say that being familiar with the F15), a quartet of smaller subs (say, the F12) may be even better. Place two of them as close to your listening position as possible, to maximize " visceral-ness".

The F12 is available with either an aluminum cone, or a lower-mass paper one (the F12G). The F12G has been optimized for music, the F12 for all-around use. Get two of each!

If you find the dual-opposed design---popularized by Seaton---appealing, check out the newish Rythmik G25HP, which I would much rather have. The Seaton is just a couple of woofers in a box; fine for home theater, not for music.